Internet use and well-being in later life: a functional approach

Abstract

These findings revealed a paradoxical situation in which the most beneficial use of the Internet is the least popular.

Information and communication technology among early and late middle‐aged adults in urban China: Daily use and anticipated support in old age

“…As hypothesised, those late middle‐aged adults who used ICT more often were more likely to expect ICT to support them during old age. ICT use promotes healthy living and improves subjective well‐being . ICT use may thus raise individual anticipation of ICT support by maintaining a sense of control over ageing life.…”

“…Participants rated how often they used ICT for five functions (ie information seeking, financial management, social connection, entertainment and instrumental support) on an 8‐point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 7 (daily) . Each category of ICT use was accompanied by relevant examples, such as “online stock trading and Alipay [China's equivalent of PayPal] transactions” for financial management.…”

“…Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use is not only associated with subjective well‐being among adults over 50, but may also facilitate healthy and independent living in later life . Despite these benefits, the notion of the “digital divide” pertains to middle‐aged and older adults .…”

“…Information and Communication Technology refers to applications (eg email) and devices (eg smartphones) that enable interaction in digital forms . Middle‐aged adults use ICT most frequently for: (a) information gathering, such as reading news and learning new skills; (b) interpersonal communication; (c) leisure and entertainment, such as online karaoke; and (d) task performance, including financial management and running errands . ICT plays positive roles in middle‐aged adults’ work and life.…”

“…ICT plays positive roles in middle‐aged adults’ work and life. Frequent ICT users are more likely to have stronger social networks, higher life satisfaction and better subjective health . As the closest age group to older adults, middle‐aged adults will soon encounter age‐related challenges.…”